What is the minimum wage for students in 2026?

There is no separate student rate. From April 2026 the National Minimum Wage is £10.85 an hour for 18 to 20 year olds and £12.71 an hour for those 21 and over. Under-18s and first-year apprentices get £8.

How much can I earn from a weekend job as a student?

Two 8-hour shifts a week at £12.71 an hour (age 21+) is £203.36 before tax. At the 18 to 20 rate of £10.85 it is £173.60.

Do students pay tax on weekend jobs?

Only if you earn over the thresholds. You pay Income Tax on earnings above £1,048 a month on average and National Insurance above £242 a week, so most weekend-only jobs fall below them.

Can international students do weekend jobs in the UK?

Yes, within their visa limits. Degree-level Student visa holders can usually work up to 20 hours a week in term time, but they cannot be self-employed, which rules out gig work like food delivery.

10 Great Weekend Jobs for UK Students

Introduction

Alright, listen up you lot. Being a student is about as much fun as a kick in the bollocks. But fear not: I've got some mint ideas for weekend jobs that'll help you earn some extra quid without completely doing your head in. Plus some tips on balancing work and uni like a pro (or at least not a total muppet).

You won't be alone. About two-thirds of full-time undergraduates now work during term time, according to the 2026 Student Academic Experience Survey.

What You'll Get Paid in 2026/27

Before the list, the important bit. From 1 April 2026, the National Minimum Wage went up:

Age	Hourly rate from April 2026	Two 8-hour weekend shifts
21 and over	£12.71	£203.36
18 to 20	£10.85	£173.60
Under 18 / apprentice	£8.00	£128.00

National Minimum Wage from April 2026, by ageHourly rates. No separate student rate exists.Source: GOV.UK National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates

National Minimum Wage from April 2026, by age
Item	Value
21 and over	£12.71
18 to 20	£10.85
Under 18	£8
Apprentice	£8

There's no special student rate. If you're paid less than this, your employer is breaking the law. Most weekend-only jobs come in under the tax and National Insurance thresholds (GOV.UK).

The 10 Jobs at a Glance

Job	How you're paid	Good for	Watch out for
Bar or waiting staff	Hourly + tips	Sociable types	Late finishes
Tutoring	Hourly, often above NMW	Strong A-level grades	Needs a DBS check for many agencies
Retail	Hourly + staff discount	Steady weekend hours	Christmas rota pressure
Campus jobs	Hourly	Fitting around lectures	Limited vacancies, apply early
Freelancing	Per project	Building a portfolio	Self-employed (tax, and not allowed on a Student visa)
Dog walking / pet sitting	Per walk or stay	Animal lovers	Unreliable income
Delivery	Per delivery	Flexible hours	Usually self-employed, you cover costs
Event staffing	Hourly	Festivals and gigs	Irregular work
Gardening and odd jobs	Per job	Outdoor types	Seasonal
Surveys and user testing	Per task	Dead time	Low earnings

1. Bartending or Waiting Tables

Slinging pints and serving grub at a local pub or restaurant can be a right laugh. You might even score free staff food. The law says employers must pass on all tips to workers without deductions, so a busy Saturday can add up.

2. Tutoring

If you're a bit of a brainbox, put those smarts to use tutoring GCSE or A-level students. It's a doddle compared to your own coursework, and it usually pays well above minimum wage. Many tutoring agencies will ask for a DBS check.

3. Retail Work

From flogging clothes to stacking shelves, retail is the classic student job. Bonus points if you score a staff discount on stuff you actually need (or just really, really want). Big retailers recruit Christmas temps from early autumn, so get in quick.

4. Campus Jobs

Your uni probably has loads of part-time roles, from the library and the SU bar to being a student ambassador on open days. They're on your doorstep and employers who understand exam season. Keep an eye on your uni's jobs board and milk that student connection for all it's worth.

5. Freelancing

Got a knack for writing, design, video editing or coding? Freelancing on weekends is a brilliant way to build a portfolio and earn in your PJs. Just know that freelancers are self-employed: you'll need to register for Self Assessment once you go over the £1,000 trading allowance. International students on a Student visa can't be self-employed.

6. Dog Walking or Pet Sitting

Animal lover? Get paid to hang out with furry friends. Walking dogs or pet sitting is a well cushy gig, and you'll get free cuddles out of it. Apps can help you find clients, or ask around locally.

7. Delivery Riding or Driving

Got a bike or a set of wheels? Delivery apps let you choose your own hours. Most riders are self-employed, so you're paid per delivery, cover your own fuel and kit, and handle your own tax. Not an option on a Student visa. And watch out for those traffic wardens.

8. Event Staffing

From festivals to conferences to football matches, events always need extra hands. Sign up with an events staffing agency and pick up shifts when they suit you. You might even catch some top-notch entertainment for free.

9. Gardening or Odd Jobs

Offer to help locals with gardening, painting or flat-pack assembly. Fresh air, a bit of exercise and a few quid. It's seasonal, mind: lawns don't need mowing in January.

10. Online Surveys or User Testing

It won't make you a millionaire, but paid research studies and website testing can earn a bit of spending money from the comfort of your own gaff. Stick to well-known sites. More ideas in our online jobs guide.

Tips for Balancing Work and Uni

Now you've got ideas, here's how to stay on top of things without losing the plot:

Cap your hours. Be realistic about what you can work without your grades or sleep taking a hit. If you're on a Student visa, the term-time limit is usually 20 hours a week.
Ask for flexibility up front. Tell employers about exam periods and deadlines at the interview. Good ones will work around them.
Front-load your coursework. Knock out assignments early so you're not stressing on shift.
Look after yourself. Sleep, eat properly and make time for fun. All work and no play makes Jack a dull (and knackered) boy.
Keep an eye on your grades. If you want to know what your marks add up to, our degree classification calculator will tell you.

Bonus Tip: Save Money on Textbooks with UniBookTrade

While you're hustling, save where you can too. Buying second-hand textbooks from other students and selling your old ones keeps more money in your pocket, and it's better for the planet than buying new. See what you'd save with the textbook savings calculator. Win-win, innit?

So there you have it. With these weekend jobs and a bit of balance, you'll be a little less skint and a lot more sorted. Happy job hunting, and remember: you've got this!

More ways to earn & save: part-time jobs near UK unis · online jobs for students · summer jobs · buy & sell textbooks to save more